About:

I am from Costa Rica. I have a BFA with a major in graphic design and continuing studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA and MassArt University in Boston, MA. My first work experience involved staging installations and staff at the Museo de Arte y Diseño ContemporáneoThis raised my curiosity and inspired me to explore other forms of art, and to begin thinking about how to combine digital and traditional methods to create paintings and illustrations. I worked with curators, Latin-American artists, students, carpenters, and others.

Later, during my professional training in graphic design and photo production in the health and beauty industries(Avon Costa Rica and The Bath Accessories Company), I gained experience working with a team of designers and marketing experts. In these environments, collaborative design, tight deadlines, experience with design software, and close contact with digital photographers taught me how to deliver fast, effective and compelling designs for magazines and advertisements. I learned the value of brainstorming and how effective teamwork can generate many ideas during the creative process, leading to successful and competitive designs. These experiences also showed me how to bring my ideas to life from the concept to the artifact, and to use technology as a tool for my designs.

Working in the health and beauty industry was rewarding and helped me gain the confidence to became a responsible freelance illustrator and effective graphic designer.

As my freelance career developed, I had the opportunity to create several murals for children's nurseries, playrooms and day care centers in Palo Alto California, Tennessee, Maryland, and Boston.
Slowly, I began to switch paths from the fashion industry to designs for children.


Murals for playroom, nurseries and day care centers, Nashville , TN, Palo Alto, CA, Mayland and Boston MA.


I collaborated in 2006 with "Rebuilding Together" creating a Mural for a low income day care center. Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization free of charge that rehabilitates homes for low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities.

Recently, I have developed a special interest in children's educational materials. Working with a small
start-up company, I have designed and illustrated a series of story books and an accompanying activity book to help young children learn basic Chinese Mandy and Pandy and recenlty for Presafe a next generation safety company creating a safety lesson activity book.

Idea- sketch- Concept

Mandy and Pandy Activity Book 1 and Presafe Activity Book.

With Mandy and Pandy book#1 Ni Hao Ma? We achieved our first Award: I Parenting Media Outstanding Product Award 2007 from iPARENTING MEDIA AWARDS

This are some of the Mandy and Pandy news and interviews:
www.heritage.com
www.concentratemedia.com
www.MITechNews.com

I am also very proud that in 2008, Layers Magazine published examples of my digital illustrations in their section "The Digital Canvas." Click the image to enlarge.

I had been a graphic designer for almost 15 years, but I believe that we need to continue to learn and to improve ourselves. This is why I enrolled in continuing education classes at MassArt University in Boston and the Academy of Art University where I achieved a Portfolio Grant on Summer 2005. Also I belong to AIGA the professional association for design, see my AIGA portfolio at: portfolios.aiga.org/Villalta_Ingrid

I love art!!! I am comfortable with the pencil as well as the Wacom tablet. I also enjoy painting and illustration. I love to sketch, to paint, to draw, and to mix media for my designs and illustrations.

Because I love the relationship between art and Education, I am working on a educational children's book called "Benito the Bell Bird". This will be an fun and informative book about the bell bird in Costa Rica.
"Benito the Bell Bird" is coming soon!!!

I am an artist and a mother of identical twin boys who are learning Spanish as well as English. I also enjoy my part time job as Spanish tutor for Wyz Ant in Boston, MA.You can visit my Wyz Ant profile at:
IngridVillaltaSpanishTeacherWalthamMA

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